GA has always been difficult but now is no worse than any other time, in fact with Airlines looking at recruiting it may be coming to an up cycle.
Age wise, I know one guy who went from late 30s newby to jet F/O in less than five years.
I was a CP at 23.
I cant remember any issues with the older pilots. Tendering for contracts was done by the companies owner with my advice (I had current knowledge of the job). Insurance, mantenance all covered by owner, this is not a CPs job at all, unless they own the joint or dont have a business manager.
My GA experience was a long time ago now, when we flew pistons and pretty well only Airlines had jets.
